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Five great spots for a drink and a bite in Uptown Oakland

Jan Newberry | Photo: Make Westing | January 27, 2012

The blocks around Oakland’s Fox Theater have become a magnet for bars and restaurants catering to the club crowd. Here are a few of the best.

Bar Dogwood
For those who like a bit of meat with their drink, this dark, sophisticated spot offers a sweet selection of sliced-to-order charcuterie. An assortment of cheeses and a smart list of cocktails round out the evening. 1644 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510-444-6669

Café Van Kleef
Peter Van Kleef was considered a pioneer when he opened his bar here in 2003. The narrow, high-ceilinged space features taxidermy on the walls, live music, and excellent greyhounds. 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510-763-7711

Hibiscus
When you need more than just a bite, head a block over from Telegraph for a taste of Sarah Kirnon’s Caribbean-Creole fare, like
crisp, juicy fried chicken with a side of sweat-inducing hot sauce. There’s some serious drinking to be done here as well, such as a flight of rums that includes an 18-year-old Flor de Cana. 1745 San Pablo ave., Oakland, 510-444-2626

Make Westing
With its striking industrial interior and steam punk details, this six-month-old bar has quickly become one of the neighborhood’s
busiest spots. Food includes things in jars, like pork rillettes, and things not in jars, like duck confit sandwiches. Just don’t get so absorbed in a game of bocce—there are two full-size courts here—that you’re late for your show. 1741 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510-251-1400

Xolo
Tacos are the perfect food to go with a long night of drinking, and this cheery taqueria obliges with a menu that ranges both high (a weekend special of goat birria) and low (a bacon-wrapped danger dog topped with pinto beans, cheese, pickled jalapeños, and avocado on a bolillo roll). 1916 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510-986-0151